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The declaration of an agreement expected to result in the release of hostages held within Gaza for over 24 months has generated delight and comfort across Israel.

A group that has advocated for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed “profound gratitude” for what it termed a “landmark achievement”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—involves the return of 20 hostages alive and the bodies of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in Israeli prisons and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 bodies have been retrieved and eight hostages have been rescued.

Jubilant Scenes at Hostages Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv with crowds of individuals assembled ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and dancing beneath US and Israeli flags—one woman holding up a sign that read: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” she expressed.

Another, 50-year-old Yael, cried while observing the crowd dancing.

“I am thrilled—it is such a comfort,” she stated. “We must witness their return home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
• Joy and pain: Palestinians mark deal
• ANALYSIS: Major breakthrough, but war not over yet

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker lit fireworks in celebration of the news that he would be homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed as she held her child.

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv following the news.

Freed Hostages Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Ex-captive of British-Israeli origin Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “to life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza nearly a year after. He has been joining other hostage families in advocating for an agreement that brings the return of all those still being held within Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “broken” that his cousin will not be among those returning home yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are at last coming back.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Relatives

Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt as if she were in “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. It seems like it might be the start of the conclusion of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan seems nearer than ever,” she said.

However, she warned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Before the final captive returns, we won’t open the bubbly. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“So many things might occur up to the final instant so this is why we are extremely cautious. We simply wish to express gratitude to all who was involved in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is safely home.”

Eitan was taken from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling Iair, who was released from detainment in a ceasefire deal earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: World reacts to first stage of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | The group